FatHeadLovell Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 Played for the first time this Sunday, got the bug so I'm frantically looking at more gear. My forehead felt a little exposed when peaking, especially in CQC. What's the feeling on helmets? Are they necessary? Comfortable? How much should I spend if I get one? Thanks
Sacarathe Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 If you buy one, the EmersonGear fast helms have a good rep for the most simplistic level of helmets, but they have two types, basic - interior is one lump of polystyrene(i think) padding, and no adjustment screw, and advanced, which has removable pads and a size screw, measure your head before buying! Generally they're a rip off in this country anyway, so something better might be affordable, but don't ask me what, I started my airsoft hobby copying popular youtubers - I do not regret it. Note - as you will see from other forum topics (see search) these helmets are replicas and should not be treated as an object expected to protect your head in a situation you'd expect them to, that said, tree branches door/window frames, a basic knock into a wall, and BB's they're great. Just don't go jumping off a mountain in them - probably shouldn't ride a bike either. Raggedy_man 1
Supporters Sitting Duck Posted August 4, 2015 Supporters Posted August 4, 2015 cheapo FAST type helmet rather than a pith m88 helmet you don't absolutely NEED one until you bash/scrape ya noggin then you NEEDED one !!!! yes you can get by with something like a baseball cap/beanie but believe it or not a mediocre helmet and some cheapo knee pads does help avoid a few bashsed nuts n knees (especially if scrambling about in woodland or smashing your head on a door frame in cqb) edit - bashed nuts = head btw, for the other type you need a groin box and a little "chat" with your opponent if they keep shooting your own personal bb's cheapo snidey FAST type about £30 fleabay UK selleror about £20 upwards from EU or overseas and wait a while do tend to give you that "pro" image but only if you got some other attire as well mind you for cqb at places like the Mall I don't think anything beats a guy in suit dark shades/goggles and packing 2 x pistols (either he's extreme bad-ass or just doesn't give a toss about pain when you look that feckin' hard) Raggedy_man 1
FatHeadLovell Posted August 4, 2015 Author Posted August 4, 2015 Thanks! I'm only trying to protect my money maker lol. A nice big welt on my forehead might not go down so well working in a Bank. Would a baseball cap actually provide protection? I suppose the brim would stop and direct spam shots, and I'm not worried about being shot on the hair area (no sure what that's called, skull?).
Sacarathe Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 Scalp. Well, the BBs are much more likely to break exposed skin than covered skin. Theres always mesh paintball masks to be considered, cover all parts of your head not covered by hair.
Happy Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 I tend to wear boonie hats and caps more than helmets in CQB but that's a choice I make about comfort over protection. You still feel the hits as if you weren't wearing one (especially with a boonie) but I've never had one leave an obvious mark to my skin even from close ranges. But helmets are a better choice - especially if you play in darker indoor sites. More than a few times I've knocked my head on something solid.
FatHeadLovell Posted August 4, 2015 Author Posted August 4, 2015 Scalp! That's the one! I have a lower face mask which helped, but I'm from Essex so naturally my hair is slicked back and forehead is always on show lol. Just ordered a camo cap which I think will help for the short term, see how I get on. Cheers everybody!
Supporters Lozart Posted August 4, 2015 Supporters Posted August 4, 2015 I used to wear a baseball cap but recently switched to an FMA FAST PJ style helmet. Playing a lot of CQB I was getting pissed off with welts on my forehead so it's been a good investment from that point of view. Having seen both in the flesh I would suggest an FMA one over an Emerson though. Plus all the helmet accessories (mounts, clips rails etc) are much better finished from FMA than Emerson too. djben9 and Mack 2
Head Moderator Jedi_Master Posted August 4, 2015 Head Moderator Posted August 4, 2015 At my first airsoft game I just had on a balaclava under a hire full face mask and took a single BB to the forehead a close range. After yelling "Hit! Good shot", I realised in hindsight that it would have been a good idea to have worn the offered hire helmet. Next day I purchased a FAST helmet from Ebay for £38 and now no more painful head shots. Looking at some of the scratches in the plastic shows where I may have scraped/struck my head painfully without a skid lid. Also I have attached my face mask to the helmet which works well
Supporters Popular Post Lozart Posted August 4, 2015 Supporters Popular Post Posted August 4, 2015 this guy likes his helmet You like his helmet. Antt570, Josh95, RabidNinja64 and 2 others 5
FatHeadLovell Posted August 5, 2015 Author Posted August 5, 2015 Ok, so following some of your advice I've been looking at helmets. There is one problem however.... As you can see from my username, I have a rather large head. Most of the helmets I can see are 60cm / 24 inches. This frankly, isn't even close lol. Anybody know where I can find a larger 'fast' helmet?
Supporters Lozart Posted August 5, 2015 Supporters Posted August 5, 2015 My fma just about fits me, I have a 62cm head.
Dannn Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 I've got a shaven baldy heed and wear a baseball cap, it provides just enough protection that the bb's don't break the skin in cqb djben9 1
FatHeadLovell Posted August 5, 2015 Author Posted August 5, 2015 I've got a shaven baldy heed and wear a baseball cap, it provides just enough protection that the bb's don't break the skin in cqb Does it leave marks? I took a few to the chest and shoulder this weekend which have left a good old welt Antt570 1
Dannn Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 Yeah it does, no blood though haha Well apart from my mate with the Tm desert, I bleed when that "gentleman" gets me at point blank lol
Josh95 Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 I only wear a beenie or cap, and to be honest i cannot even feel bb hits to the head. but i dont play at cqb sites
Hibernator Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 The first time I played at the Embassy (sadly now closed) I walked into a metal post in the dark basement section! After that, I bought a helmet I initially bought a cheap skateboard helmet in black, but although having an actual safety rating it made me look like I was about to be shot out of a canon I now have an Emerson type fast helmet, which looks the part etc as per the reviews above. Certainly enough to protect against a bb hit and the odd bumped/scraped head. If you prefer ball caps, you can buy bump caps on ebay that have hard shells. No affiliation to the seller - this is the first one I found: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portwest-Navy-Bump-Cap-Safety-Work-Hard-Hat-Vented-Baseball-Style-Mens-Helmet-/200824979575?var=&hash=item2ec21a0077 which will be good for bb hits too. For woodland I have a boonie hat that I've hand sown some foam padding into around the inside, so it looks OK and hits tend to be from a longer range and not sting as much ;-)
MxHaze Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 I have the cheapo polystyrene one, i removed the poly insert and put my own pads in. If youve got a fat head and small buget, this is the way to go. i find the helmet/headset/lower mesh combo gives me more confidence to run em down. Where as with a ball cap and sawflys i tend to be more cautious. I also wear martial arts style junk protection. mrs haze wouldnt be interested if i came home with a load of welts on my bell hahaha Aengus 1
FatHeadLovell Posted August 5, 2015 Author Posted August 5, 2015 I also wear martial arts style junk protection. mrs haze wouldnt be interested if i came home with a load of welts on my bell hahaha That's a small target, I don't think you run much risk ? Lozart 1
FatHeadLovell Posted August 5, 2015 Author Posted August 5, 2015 Some great ideas here, thanks all. I bought a camo cap which was delivered today, I suppose I could do some adjustments to add protection. As my collection grows, I will want to look the part so will invest in a proper helmet. True story - my Dad gave up motorcycling because wearing a helmet was so uncomfortable for him, even open face ones. 2nd true story - the doctors thought I was deformed in the womb because my head was so large. 3rs true story - I was like a power pod as a child Pleased to say I look fairly normal now lol
murph Posted August 6, 2015 Posted August 6, 2015 http://www.ebairsoft.com/maritime-helmet-tb815-p-7424.html This would be a very wise choice as a starting helmet - obviously a FAST-styled one so relatively simple and doesn't require much money putting into unlike my TMC AirFrame in which I've had to invest money on a real-deal retention system due to comfort issues. Also, looks (and probably feels, due to being FMA) pretty damn close to the real Ops-Core for the price. Lozart 1
Mostly Retired Moderators djben9 Posted August 12, 2015 Mostly Retired Moderators Posted August 12, 2015 on the topics of helmets and you guys who use them, and to save me starting a new topic after searching! (feel free to split mods if required) 8fields helmets here, any good,, ok cheaper than some but look ok...for my use http://www.patrolbase.co.uk/airsoft-head-protection/8fields-tactical-fast-helmet-w-velcro-top-panels-tan.htm#.VcrzKvlVhBc ok they have other options on site.... BUT are these add ons here likely to fit or are they geared more towards Emersongear helmets? like the idea of removing bits, especially the ear side panels...its all about customisation http://hwairsoft.com/airsoft-ops-core-mich-af-tactical-helmet-front-guard-protector-tan-sand-cb-uk/ http://hwairsoft.com/airsoft-ops-core-tactical-helmet-tan-sand-de-mich-blt-jump-side-panels-uk-rail/ advice from you guys is proving invaluable!
Supporters Lozart Posted August 12, 2015 Supporters Posted August 12, 2015 on the topics of helmets and you guys who use them, and to save me starting a new topic after searching! (feel free to split mods if required) 8fields helmets here, any good,, ok cheaper than some but look ok...for my use http://www.patrolbase.co.uk/airsoft-head-protection/8fields-tactical-fast-helmet-w-velcro-top-panels-tan.htm#.VcrzKvlVhBc ok they have other options on site.... BUT are these add ons here likely to fit or are they geared more towards Emersongear helmets? like the idea of removing bits, especially the ear side panels...its all about customisation http://hwairsoft.com/airsoft-ops-core-mich-af-tactical-helmet-front-guard-protector-tan-sand-cb-uk/ http://hwairsoft.com/airsoft-ops-core-tactical-helmet-tan-sand-de-mich-blt-jump-side-panels-uk-rail/ advice from you guys is proving invaluable! I'd still suggest spending a bit more and getting an FMA but if you just want a cheap helmet that looks the part and stops you getting welts on your head then it'll be fine. Just don't expect any actual impact protection from it. As for the accessories then yes they'll be fine. They should fit and FAST style helmet. The sideplates fit to the rail which is fairly universal and the chinguard uses velcro inside the helmet.
Mostly Retired Moderators djben9 Posted September 21, 2015 Mostly Retired Moderators Posted September 21, 2015 having suffered a knock on the head sat,,,,don't go into dark rooms first! although I don't remember it last time...anyway...., bloody vandals I reckon!....even some stairs had gone from a previous game im sure...., ive revisited the subject! haha so looked at Emerson for a while and now FMA, and like he dial thing at the back, and thanks to Lozart, FMA will be purchased at the weekend!, cheaper than the Emerson one ive seen anyway accessories i'll get online now! now need some different eye pro instead of my mesh goggles...mmmmmmmmm......back to search! Aengus 1
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